#Veggiebreakfastbrunchwatch: Kitchen Garden: Kings Heath, Birmingham.

If you thought that the High Street was all that Kings Heath in South Birmingham offered then think again. Tucked down York Road, is a gem that when explored brings much reward.

Through some smart iron gates, lies a pathway that meanders through an organic garden centre, past an organic farm shop and deli and thus to an old brick Mediterranean style patio and court yard with a cafe.

The garden centre is one of the jewels of Kings Heath and I spend many a time mooching through pots and snapping up veg plants and perennials for my new garden. It’s an oasis amongst the hustle and bustle of busy city life and a sun trap with shades on and free from pesticides.

The farm and deli shop sells local produce from organic free range eggs, home made pies, pasties, sausage rolls. Plus an array of organic wines, cheese, beers, jams and preserves which are made in house.

The Kitchen Garden was renovated and restored and used to be in part a former blacksmiths and also a hard ware shop. It’s a diverse community enterprise that serves the area well, and is a great space for families ( it has a specially created children’s area and is a meeting place for families).

The Kitchen Garden has a bohemian vibe, with its hand painted signs, pots of herbs, plants, garden statues, and cosy cafe. It’s a community one stop shop, and at night you can find live music, comedy and poetry (poetry bites, that I’ve lustily partaken in many times). It’s also been a temporary home to many pop up restaurants, Epi, with chef Nathan Eades, Blue Rabbit, and currently Nomad until the end of August.

Within the cafe you will find an excellent choice for Vegetarians and Vegans. Using the best seasonal, local and fair traded produce including organic when possible. It’s a relaxed space to be, to socialise, to recover from the night before or to work. They have free wi-fi access.

The menu covers breakfast, including a full veggie, free range eggs, Huevos Rancheros, eggs florentine, continental pastries, bagels and the Hash Potato with onions. Plus fair trade, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, herbal teas and juices. This is served until midday from 8am.

Having been before I’ve eaten and enjoyed the Vegetarian Breakfast which includes veggie sausages, free range egg (fried or poached) mushrooms, baked beans, grilled tomato, fried slice and extra thick toast. A feast of the veggie kind for £6.95. A bargain.

On this occasion I decided to try the Kitchen Garden’s famous Hash Potato with onions with extra Grilled Mediterranean vegetables and a poached egg. With coffee.

I have to say, it’s one of the best veggie breakfast items I’ve had for a long time. It was different. A lovely feast of flavours, crunchy Mediterranean veg, with a runny poached egg, with fried onions and fluffy potato. Beautiful. Maybe that’s why it’s famous. Maybe in hindsight it would have worked better for me with a fried egg, but I’m funny with eggs…next time. That though was my mistake and my personal preference, a lovely veggie breakfast for just short of £6.

Inside the cafe is light, airy, with art on the walls from local artists. It feels a chilled out spot, away from the main streets, an oasis to create and wile away time. I like the rustic charm, the nooks and the homely feel. It’s represents all that’s good about Kings Heath, the community and the slightly alternative vibe.

It’s one of the best places for veggies in the area, it’s intent on creating something tranquil and satisfying.

Giving back more than you imagine when you enter 17 York Road.

Lunch is served from 12-3pm. For menu see below. Please note items may change.